Holiday City planning panel recommends approval of two‑lot split at 5870 S. Highland Drive

The Holiday City Planning Commission voted unanimously March 4 to recommend approval of a preliminary plat to divide 0.55 acres at 5870 South Highland Drive into two R110 single‑family lots.

John Terling, the city—community and economic development director, told commissioners the site met the R110 zone—requirements—including minimum width and a 10,000‑square‑foot lot size, and that the Technical Review Committee had reviewed utility availability and other submittals and recommended approval. Terling said required off‑site improvements include curb, gutter, sidewalk and street trees along Charleston Lane unless a waiver or deferral is granted through the code process.

Jackson Hasselhorn, representing the applicant (IUPUMS), said the development team has been negotiating with the subdivision—architectural committee for about nine months. He told the commission a tree‑removal permit had been submitted for the eastern half of the lot and that construction crews subsequently cleared some vegetation; he said the team "made a mistake" in removing a tree they now plan to replace. "We took out a tree that we shouldn't have," Hasselhorn said, and pledged to conform to city code and the additional replacement requirements referenced by the city.

During public comment, James Nebeker, who said he represents a neighborhood architectural committee, urged the commission to allow preservation of the neighborhood—character and noted the applicant had requested a waiver to avoid curb, gutter and sidewalk on the south side of Lot 1. Terling and the applicant said Highland Drive will require sidewalk for connectivity and accessibility, while the south side along Charleston Lane is the site of the waiver request because that part of the subdivision historically lacks curb and sidewalk.

A nearby resident, Don Reese, asked whether visible site work meant the city had already approved the split. The city's legal counsel said the city's position is that the developer likely "jumped the gun" and began some work before receiving all necessary approvals; code enforcement action was noticed that day. Terling and the applicant explained the building permit for the house under construction was issued based on the gross lot size and that a separate building permit for a second home would await a recorded parcel split.

Commissioners expressed concern about the sequence of permits and about landscaping that appears to have been altered before final approvals, but staff emphasized that setbacks, fire access (UFA approval) and other standards were met for the gross lot. After discussion, a motion to approve the preliminary plat application carried by voice vote. Chair Roach announced the motion had a unanimous recommendation to move forward to the city council.

The commission also approved minutes from its Jan. 21 and Feb. 4 meetings and adjourned.

What happens next: the approval is a recommendation; per the motion the community and economic development director will complete administrative review and approval of the final plat following a positive written TRC recommendation, and, if applicable, any sidewalk waivers or deferrals will be considered separately through the code process.